There are numerous ways of travelling around Croatia and which mode of transport you choose probably depends on what part of the country you're in, and how far you need to travel! Click on the links below to get some further details about travelling around.
1.) Croatia Airlines operates regular services between Zagreb and other airports within the country.
There are flights between Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Split, Pula and Zadar. In the summer, there is also a service to the island of Brac.
Below are details for the internal flights in Croatia for the summer.
From...
To...
Flight Time
Zagreb
Pula
45 minutes
Zadar
45 minutes
Split
45 minutes
Dubrovnik
55 minutes
Pula
Dubrovnik
55 minutes(Tues only)
As with most flight travel, some real bargains can be had if you book early enough. Checking for a flight on the Zagreb - Dubrovnik route for summer 2006, four months in advance, the price was 390 Kunas - that's about £36/$67/€52. By comparison, a bus journey on the same route costs 180 Kunas (£17/$31/€24). However, the flight only takes 55 minutes as opposed to about 12 hours by bus. Ouch!
Airports in CroatiaSome route details, and information on travelling to and from the airports.
There are flights between Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Split, Pula and Zadar. In the summer, there is also a service to the island of Brac.
Below are details for the internal flights in Croatia for the summer.
From...
To...
Flight Time
Zagreb
Pula
45 minutes
Zadar
45 minutes
Split
45 minutes
Dubrovnik
55 minutes
Pula
Dubrovnik
55 minutes(Tues only)
As with most flight travel, some real bargains can be had if you book early enough. Checking for a flight on the Zagreb - Dubrovnik route for summer 2006, four months in advance, the price was 390 Kunas - that's about £36/$67/€52. By comparison, a bus journey on the same route costs 180 Kunas (£17/$31/€24). However, the flight only takes 55 minutes as opposed to about 12 hours by bus. Ouch!
Airports in CroatiaSome route details, and information on travelling to and from the airports.
2.) The bus service is first class: even the smallest villages have some sort of bus connection. There are express buses which cover longer distances and are very comfortable. Bus travel is also inexpensive, and the new motorways in parts of the country have reduced journey times.
In almost every larger town, there is a bus station (Autobusna Stanica) where tickets are sold and timetables are clearly displayed.
Bus Companies in CroatiaPlease see the following websites for timetable and price details. (Unfortunately, some are in Croatian only!)
AK Karlovac APP Variety of domestic routes Autopoduzece Imotski Routes between main cities Autotrans Rijeka-based company Brioni Pula-based company Cazmatrans Croatia Bus Zagreb-based company Contus Services between Zadar and Zagreb Panturist Routes from Osijek to Zagreb and the coast Promet Split Routes in and around Split Samoborcek Routes between Zagreb and Split
Bus Terminals in CroatiaTimetables can also be found at the following websites.
Dubrovnik Bus Terminal (Croatian only) Split Bus Terminal Varazdin Bus Terminal Zagreb Bus Terminal is very useful - it provides timetables for the whole of Croatia!
In almost every larger town, there is a bus station (Autobusna Stanica) where tickets are sold and timetables are clearly displayed.
Bus Companies in CroatiaPlease see the following websites for timetable and price details. (Unfortunately, some are in Croatian only!)
AK Karlovac APP Variety of domestic routes Autopoduzece Imotski Routes between main cities Autotrans Rijeka-based company Brioni Pula-based company Cazmatrans Croatia Bus Zagreb-based company Contus Services between Zadar and Zagreb Panturist Routes from Osijek to Zagreb and the coast Promet Split Routes in and around Split Samoborcek Routes between Zagreb and Split
Bus Terminals in CroatiaTimetables can also be found at the following websites.
Dubrovnik Bus Terminal (Croatian only) Split Bus Terminal Varazdin Bus Terminal Zagreb Bus Terminal is very useful - it provides timetables for the whole of Croatia!
3.) The motorway system in Croatia is not as extensive as other European countries, but is improving rapidly; there is currently about 1060km of motorway in country. The motorway from Zagreb to Split, with connections to Zadar and Sibenik, was opened in 2005. There is major road-building going on in Istria that will connect Croatia to the Italian motorway system. Work has started on certain sections of the motorway between Split and Dubrovnik. There are also plans to bypass the Neum corrider in Bosnia by building a bridge between the mainland and the Peljesac peninsula.
The most picturesque route in Croatia is definitely the Adriatic road (Jadranska magistrala) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. There are plans to build a proper highway/motorway between these two cities, and all the way to Greece through Montenegro and Albania by 2015. Some people compare this road to the famous Highway 1 between San Francisco and just south of Los Angeles in California.* We would say that ours is prettier! (*Although the webmaster can personally attest that this is a pretty awesome drive too!)
Otherwise, we would say that roads in Croatia are of a reasonable standard. You are unlikely to encounter any problems when driving in Croatia. Even if you do come into some difficulties, most local people will be more than willing to help you.
Petrol is easily available, whether you require Regular, Premium or Unleaded. Diesel is also available.
If you need road assistance, the Croatian Auto Club Emergency Service will help you. Their telephone number is 987.
Useful Motoring Websites Croatian Auto Club has some useful information about road conditions and the road network
The Croatian Motorways website has very useful maps, as well as information about tolls
Car Hire in CroatiaRenting a car in Croatia is easy, if perhaps just a little bit pricey in comparison to other European countries. Major car hire chains exist in Croatia, as well as local companies. Most have offices in the larger Croatian towns and at airports.
Below is a list of some of the car hire agencies in Croatia.
Adriatica E-Sixt Hertz Kompas Rent A Car Kompas No. 1 Mack Rent a Car National Rent a Car Matejuska - Split Uni-Rent They also rent camper vans!
The most picturesque route in Croatia is definitely the Adriatic road (Jadranska magistrala) which connects Rijeka and Dubrovnik. There are plans to build a proper highway/motorway between these two cities, and all the way to Greece through Montenegro and Albania by 2015. Some people compare this road to the famous Highway 1 between San Francisco and just south of Los Angeles in California.* We would say that ours is prettier! (*Although the webmaster can personally attest that this is a pretty awesome drive too!)
Otherwise, we would say that roads in Croatia are of a reasonable standard. You are unlikely to encounter any problems when driving in Croatia. Even if you do come into some difficulties, most local people will be more than willing to help you.
Petrol is easily available, whether you require Regular, Premium or Unleaded. Diesel is also available.
If you need road assistance, the Croatian Auto Club Emergency Service will help you. Their telephone number is 987.
Useful Motoring Websites Croatian Auto Club has some useful information about road conditions and the road network
The Croatian Motorways website has very useful maps, as well as information about tolls
Car Hire in CroatiaRenting a car in Croatia is easy, if perhaps just a little bit pricey in comparison to other European countries. Major car hire chains exist in Croatia, as well as local companies. Most have offices in the larger Croatian towns and at airports.
Below is a list of some of the car hire agencies in Croatia.
Adriatica E-Sixt Hertz Kompas Rent A Car Kompas No. 1 Mack Rent a Car National Rent a Car Matejuska - Split Uni-Rent They also rent camper vans!
4.) CAPITAL CITY (ZAGREB)
Prague and Budapest are the most popular cities in Central Europe for foreign visitors. But these two now have a competitor in Zagreb, the capital of Croatia - which, let us reassure you, is a dazzling place.
The city is divided into three parts: the thousand-year old Gornji grad (upper town) which contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian parliament, and museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the 19th century Donji grad (lower town) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, parks; and the modern post-war (WWII) Novi Zagreb (new Zagreb) which is full of high-rise buildings and basically has nothing to offer tourists.
Zagreb is called a city of museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. But this doesn't mean that there is nothing else for you to do if you aren't a history buff. One of the many pleasures that the Zagrebcani (the people of Zagreb) enjoy is sitting in one of the numerous cafes watching the world go by. In the evening, you can visit one of the many restaurants, sampling a delicious Croatian dish, and finish the day in the one of the bars or clubs. Whatever you choose to do, you are guaranteed to have a good time!
Getting aroundIf you arrive by plane, Zagreb Pleso Airport is about 20km from the heart of Zagreb. You can take a taxi (about £20/$38/€29), but a much better option would be to take the inexpensive Croatia Airlines bus which takes you to the main bus station in central Zagreb. Buses leave every half an hour outside the airport terminal, and tickets, costing 30 Kunas (£3/$5.50/€4.50), can be bought from the bus driver. Once you arrive at the bus station, you can flag down a taxi to take you to your accommodation or use a tram to complete your journey.
Almost all visitors are puzzled as to how to obtain tickets for trams as they are not sold on-board: walk to the first newspaper kiosk and ask for a "tramvajska karta" (tram ticket) which are sold singly or in packs of ten. Once you board the tram, you must remember to validate your card in the machines.
When sightseeing, head for Trg Bana Jelacica, the main square in the city. From here you are within walking distance of all the major attractions. The main tourist office is at no. 11 in the square.
Things to seeFrom Trg Bana Jelacica (named after the Croatian hero and viceroy who defeated the Hungarians in an uprising in 1848 - his monument is in the square) turn right and into the first street on the left to see the twin neo-Gothic spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral, built in 1899. The baroque Archbishops' Palace is attached to the cathedral. Nearby is the colourful Dolac market, the main market in Zagreb, which is definitely worth visiting. You can have an inexpensive meal in one of the fast-food kiosks close by. Walk along Tkalciceva Ulica towards the upper town and you will come to the 13th century Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) with a painting of the Virgin Mary which miraculously escaped the great fire of 1731 and is a place of pilgrimage.
Explore the Upper Town which includes Banski Dvori (the Presidential Palace) with its colourful guards, Sabor (the parliament), and St. Mark's Church (with the works of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most famous sculptor) and note its beautifully tiled roof. There are also several museums and galleries nearby. See Lotrscak Kula (tower) before returning to the hustle and bustle of modern Zagreb either via the pedestrian walkway or the hundred-year-old uspinjaca (funicular railway). The good citizens of Zagreb are reminded of the time at midday when a gun is fired from the Tower (someone told us that there is a similar ceremony in Edinburgh, only that it occurs at 1 o'clock?!).
In the lower town, you can do your shopping in the main shopping street Ilica or visit one of the more prominent museums or galleries, like the Strossmayer Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Ethnographic Museum and the famous Mimara museum (Rooseveltov trg 5) which, with almost 4,000 priceless objects, is one of the finest art galleries in Europe.
Places to stayThere are very few cheap places to stay in Zagreb. For younger people, the best bet is Omladinski ("Youth") Hotel at Petrinjska Ulica 77 (Tel: (+385) 1 484 12 961), near the main railway station. A bed in a dormitory is about £12-17/$22-30 per person and a double room is about £16-23/$30-41. There is also the newer Ravnice Youth Hostel (1 Ravnice 38d, tel: (+385) 1 233 23 25), which has 30 beds. A bed costs €15 per night (approx. £10/$15 per night).
In the summer Zagreb university student dorms are used as accommodation for visitors. The best one is Cvijetno Naselje in southern Zagreb which charges £20/$32 for a single room with private bath.
See our Accommodation in Zagreb section for details of hotels in Zagreb.
Travel to Zagreb Bond Tours have city breaks from the UK Croatia Airlines have daily flights from London Heathrow to Zagreb Wizz Air have daily flights from London Luton German Wings have flights from Cologne, Stuttgart & Hamberg - transfer from London Stansted, Edinburgh or Dublin
Information about Zagreb Zagreb Tourist Board has plenty of useful info Restaurants in Zagreb Interactive city map of Zagreb Zagreb Live webcam Why not stop at Algoritam (Gajeva 1, just off the Trg Bana Jelacica - the main square), an English language book store? University of Zagreb - Founded in 1699
The city is divided into three parts: the thousand-year old Gornji grad (upper town) which contains the Presidential Palace, the historic church of St. Mark's, the Croatian parliament, and museums and galleries which are all set in cobbled streets lit by gas lamps; the 19th century Donji grad (lower town) with its shops, restaurants, cafes, theatres, parks; and the modern post-war (WWII) Novi Zagreb (new Zagreb) which is full of high-rise buildings and basically has nothing to offer tourists.
Zagreb is called a city of museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world. But this doesn't mean that there is nothing else for you to do if you aren't a history buff. One of the many pleasures that the Zagrebcani (the people of Zagreb) enjoy is sitting in one of the numerous cafes watching the world go by. In the evening, you can visit one of the many restaurants, sampling a delicious Croatian dish, and finish the day in the one of the bars or clubs. Whatever you choose to do, you are guaranteed to have a good time!
Getting aroundIf you arrive by plane, Zagreb Pleso Airport is about 20km from the heart of Zagreb. You can take a taxi (about £20/$38/€29), but a much better option would be to take the inexpensive Croatia Airlines bus which takes you to the main bus station in central Zagreb. Buses leave every half an hour outside the airport terminal, and tickets, costing 30 Kunas (£3/$5.50/€4.50), can be bought from the bus driver. Once you arrive at the bus station, you can flag down a taxi to take you to your accommodation or use a tram to complete your journey.
Almost all visitors are puzzled as to how to obtain tickets for trams as they are not sold on-board: walk to the first newspaper kiosk and ask for a "tramvajska karta" (tram ticket) which are sold singly or in packs of ten. Once you board the tram, you must remember to validate your card in the machines.
When sightseeing, head for Trg Bana Jelacica, the main square in the city. From here you are within walking distance of all the major attractions. The main tourist office is at no. 11 in the square.
Things to seeFrom Trg Bana Jelacica (named after the Croatian hero and viceroy who defeated the Hungarians in an uprising in 1848 - his monument is in the square) turn right and into the first street on the left to see the twin neo-Gothic spires of St. Stephen's Cathedral, built in 1899. The baroque Archbishops' Palace is attached to the cathedral. Nearby is the colourful Dolac market, the main market in Zagreb, which is definitely worth visiting. You can have an inexpensive meal in one of the fast-food kiosks close by. Walk along Tkalciceva Ulica towards the upper town and you will come to the 13th century Stone Gate (Kamenita vrata) with a painting of the Virgin Mary which miraculously escaped the great fire of 1731 and is a place of pilgrimage.
Explore the Upper Town which includes Banski Dvori (the Presidential Palace) with its colourful guards, Sabor (the parliament), and St. Mark's Church (with the works of Ivan Mestrovic, Croatia's most famous sculptor) and note its beautifully tiled roof. There are also several museums and galleries nearby. See Lotrscak Kula (tower) before returning to the hustle and bustle of modern Zagreb either via the pedestrian walkway or the hundred-year-old uspinjaca (funicular railway). The good citizens of Zagreb are reminded of the time at midday when a gun is fired from the Tower (someone told us that there is a similar ceremony in Edinburgh, only that it occurs at 1 o'clock?!).
In the lower town, you can do your shopping in the main shopping street Ilica or visit one of the more prominent museums or galleries, like the Strossmayer Gallery, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Ethnographic Museum and the famous Mimara museum (Rooseveltov trg 5) which, with almost 4,000 priceless objects, is one of the finest art galleries in Europe.
Places to stayThere are very few cheap places to stay in Zagreb. For younger people, the best bet is Omladinski ("Youth") Hotel at Petrinjska Ulica 77 (Tel: (+385) 1 484 12 961), near the main railway station. A bed in a dormitory is about £12-17/$22-30 per person and a double room is about £16-23/$30-41. There is also the newer Ravnice Youth Hostel (1 Ravnice 38d, tel: (+385) 1 233 23 25), which has 30 beds. A bed costs €15 per night (approx. £10/$15 per night).
In the summer Zagreb university student dorms are used as accommodation for visitors. The best one is Cvijetno Naselje in southern Zagreb which charges £20/$32 for a single room with private bath.
See our Accommodation in Zagreb section for details of hotels in Zagreb.
Travel to Zagreb Bond Tours have city breaks from the UK Croatia Airlines have daily flights from London Heathrow to Zagreb Wizz Air have daily flights from London Luton German Wings have flights from Cologne, Stuttgart & Hamberg - transfer from London Stansted, Edinburgh or Dublin
Information about Zagreb Zagreb Tourist Board has plenty of useful info Restaurants in Zagreb Interactive city map of Zagreb Zagreb Live webcam Why not stop at Algoritam (Gajeva 1, just off the Trg Bana Jelacica - the main square), an English language book store? University of Zagreb - Founded in 1699
5.) ISTRA (SOUTH SEA)
Istria borders Slovenia and has a maritime border with Italy. This peninsula is the most popular destination for foreign visitors to Croatia. Umag and Porec continually top the annual poll of best holiday resorts in Croatia, as organised by the Croatian National Tourist Board and Croatian TV. Most visitors arrive by car, but you can fly in to Pula Airport to where Ryanair have recently commenced flights to. Istria is also easily reachable from Trieste or Venice Treviso airports, where Ryanair fly to, or Venice Marco Polo airport, where Easyjet fly to. See our Travelling from Italy section for more details.
Pula Situated near the base of the Istrian peninsula, the population of Pula is just over 62,000, making it the largest city in Istria. One of the most famous sights in the whole of Croatia is the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, which has been well preserved. However, it is likely that Pula originated even before the Roman era, with local findings showing the history of Pula going back more than 3,000 years. As well as being under Venetian rule, Pula also played an important role in the Habsburg Empire as it was proclaimed the chief port of the Empire in 1853, and had a large German and Italian population. In 1915 it was occupied by Italy and the rights of Croatian inhabitants were not respected. It was only in 1947 that it became a part of Croatia in Yugoslavia.
The main sight is, of course, the amphitheatre. Built during the 1st century AD, the three-story amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world. It hosts the Pula Opera Festival in the summer and is also used for other events during the year. Other sights include the Triumphal arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, the Cathedral and the Franciscan Church and Monastery.
The area code is 052.
Pula Tourist Office is situated at Forum 3, tel: 052 219 197, fax 052 211 855, email: tz-pula@pu.htnet.hr.
For more on Pula, point your browser to the City of Pula website, or see the Tourism Office Pula.
Accommodation in Pula
Umag Umag and its riviera (which is about 20km long) is very popular. The old town in Umag has attractive and narrow, cobbled streets. The coast is full of pretty little bays and there are some 60,000 hotel beds and those in private accommodation here. There are also many camping and caravan sites along the coast, which are well run and highly recommended for an inexpensive holiday. Umag is also well known for its marina and the international tennis centre which hosts the Croatian Open every July.
The Tourist Office in Umag is at Trgovacka 6, tel: 052 741 363, fax: 052 741 157, email: tz-grada-umaga@pu.htnet.hr.
On the web, more information can be found at the Town of Umag website, the Umag Tourist Office website and here.
Accommodation in Umag
Porec This is the most popular holiday resort in Istria and has frequently been proclaimed the top resort in Croatia by the Croatian National Tourist Office. There are over 100,000 beds available in the area, but hotels and other facilities are widely spread so the place never feels too crowded.
A visit to the old town (Porec is 2,000 years old) is a must, due to its numerous historical sites, particularly the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica which is wonderfully preserved and is well known for its beautiful gold mosaics. The entry to the church is free, although a small donation is much appreciated.
The main tourist areas are two bays south of the town, called Zelena (Green) and Plava (Blue) Laguna (lagoon). They are almost like small towns, with several hotels in each, as well as camping, marina, shopping and entertainment areas. Most visitors stay in one of the two.
The tourist office is located at Zagrebacka 9, tel: 052 451 293, fax: 052 434 160.
Web info at istra.com or porec.hr (Croatian language only).
Read also a lovely review of a holiday in Porec.
Accommodation in Porec
Rovinj This is a charmingly picturesque town with yet more narrow, cobbled streets! It is famous for its St. Euphemia Cathedral with the highest church tower in Istria, at 60 metres high. Rovinj was originally an island, but 250 years ago the narrow channel, which separated it from the mainland, was filled in. It is one of our favourite destinations on the Croatian Adriatic, particularly as it is very lively with numerous cafes and restaurants, galleries and an active fishing port, so in the morning you can watch the fishermen come in as you have your breakfast.
For places to see, definitely go to the cathedral of St. Euphemia (built in 1736) which is the largest Baroque building in Istria, the town's museum and Rovinj Aquarium.
For places to stay, we can recommend the centrally-located, but moderately priced, Hotel Adriatic. There are also numerous campsites dotted in and around Rovinj.
The tourist office is located at P. Budicina 12, tel: 052 811 566, fax: 052 816 007, email: tzgrovinj@tzgrovinj.hr.
For more, see the Rovinj Tourist Office website or Rovinj.net.
There is also a wealth of information at Rovinj.info, including details on private accommodation, property, holiday houses and Rovinj gastronomic delights, beaches and attractions!
Accommodation in Rovinj
Other resorts in IstriaThere are numerous other lovely resorts in Istria that are worth visiting. One such place is Liznjan.
Organised Travel from the UK to Istria Holiday Options Thomson Lakes & Mountains Travelsphere Saga Holidays Balkan Holidays Inghams Crystal Holidays Skills Holidays (Coach Holidays) Peng Naturist
Croatian Travel Agents Danex Umag
Pula Situated near the base of the Istrian peninsula, the population of Pula is just over 62,000, making it the largest city in Istria. One of the most famous sights in the whole of Croatia is the Roman amphitheatre in Pula, which has been well preserved. However, it is likely that Pula originated even before the Roman era, with local findings showing the history of Pula going back more than 3,000 years. As well as being under Venetian rule, Pula also played an important role in the Habsburg Empire as it was proclaimed the chief port of the Empire in 1853, and had a large German and Italian population. In 1915 it was occupied by Italy and the rights of Croatian inhabitants were not respected. It was only in 1947 that it became a part of Croatia in Yugoslavia.
The main sight is, of course, the amphitheatre. Built during the 1st century AD, the three-story amphitheatre is the sixth largest in the world. It hosts the Pula Opera Festival in the summer and is also used for other events during the year. Other sights include the Triumphal arch of the Sergii, the Temple of Augustus, the Cathedral and the Franciscan Church and Monastery.
The area code is 052.
Pula Tourist Office is situated at Forum 3, tel: 052 219 197, fax 052 211 855, email: tz-pula@pu.htnet.hr.
For more on Pula, point your browser to the City of Pula website, or see the Tourism Office Pula.
Accommodation in Pula
Umag Umag and its riviera (which is about 20km long) is very popular. The old town in Umag has attractive and narrow, cobbled streets. The coast is full of pretty little bays and there are some 60,000 hotel beds and those in private accommodation here. There are also many camping and caravan sites along the coast, which are well run and highly recommended for an inexpensive holiday. Umag is also well known for its marina and the international tennis centre which hosts the Croatian Open every July.
The Tourist Office in Umag is at Trgovacka 6, tel: 052 741 363, fax: 052 741 157, email: tz-grada-umaga@pu.htnet.hr.
On the web, more information can be found at the Town of Umag website, the Umag Tourist Office website and here.
Accommodation in Umag
Porec This is the most popular holiday resort in Istria and has frequently been proclaimed the top resort in Croatia by the Croatian National Tourist Office. There are over 100,000 beds available in the area, but hotels and other facilities are widely spread so the place never feels too crowded.
A visit to the old town (Porec is 2,000 years old) is a must, due to its numerous historical sites, particularly the 6th century Euphrasian Basilica which is wonderfully preserved and is well known for its beautiful gold mosaics. The entry to the church is free, although a small donation is much appreciated.
The main tourist areas are two bays south of the town, called Zelena (Green) and Plava (Blue) Laguna (lagoon). They are almost like small towns, with several hotels in each, as well as camping, marina, shopping and entertainment areas. Most visitors stay in one of the two.
The tourist office is located at Zagrebacka 9, tel: 052 451 293, fax: 052 434 160.
Web info at istra.com or porec.hr (Croatian language only).
Read also a lovely review of a holiday in Porec.
Accommodation in Porec
Rovinj This is a charmingly picturesque town with yet more narrow, cobbled streets! It is famous for its St. Euphemia Cathedral with the highest church tower in Istria, at 60 metres high. Rovinj was originally an island, but 250 years ago the narrow channel, which separated it from the mainland, was filled in. It is one of our favourite destinations on the Croatian Adriatic, particularly as it is very lively with numerous cafes and restaurants, galleries and an active fishing port, so in the morning you can watch the fishermen come in as you have your breakfast.
For places to see, definitely go to the cathedral of St. Euphemia (built in 1736) which is the largest Baroque building in Istria, the town's museum and Rovinj Aquarium.
For places to stay, we can recommend the centrally-located, but moderately priced, Hotel Adriatic. There are also numerous campsites dotted in and around Rovinj.
The tourist office is located at P. Budicina 12, tel: 052 811 566, fax: 052 816 007, email: tzgrovinj@tzgrovinj.hr.
For more, see the Rovinj Tourist Office website or Rovinj.net.
There is also a wealth of information at Rovinj.info, including details on private accommodation, property, holiday houses and Rovinj gastronomic delights, beaches and attractions!
Accommodation in Rovinj
Other resorts in IstriaThere are numerous other lovely resorts in Istria that are worth visiting. One such place is Liznjan.
Organised Travel from the UK to Istria Holiday Options Thomson Lakes & Mountains Travelsphere Saga Holidays Balkan Holidays Inghams Crystal Holidays Skills Holidays (Coach Holidays) Peng Naturist
Croatian Travel Agents Danex Umag
6.) NORTHERN DALMATIA
Zadar Zadar is the main city in Northern Dalmatia with over 76,000 inhabitants. Another city to have grown from a Roman settlement, it was also under Venetian and Austrian rule as well as being assigned to Italy in 1920.
Zadar Old Town is located on the tip of a narrow peninsula. Most of the town is surrounded by city walls, with towers and the two city gates being of interest. The Kopnena vrata (Mainland Gate), to the east of the Old Town, was built in 1543 and has the city coat of arms engraved on it. Close to this is the Five-Sided Tower, dating from the 13th century and the five wells which used to be the water supply for the city. The other gate is the Lucka vrata (Port Gate) to the north, built in 1573. In the centre of the Old Town is the Sveti Donat Church which was built at the beginning of the 9th century and stands at 27m high. It is the most important church in a city which has 30 altogether. Nearby is the Church of St. Mary as well as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.
The area code is 023.
The Tourist Office is at Ilije Smiljanica 5, 23000 Zadar, Tel: 023 212 412 or 023 212 222, Fax: 023 211 781, Email: tz-zadar@zd.tel.hr
For more information on Zadar, check out the Official Website of the Zadar Riviera, Zadar Online or Kalelarga.com.
Accommodation in Zadar
Sibenik The population of Sibenik is just over 41,000 people. Sibenik is one of the few places along the Croatian Adriatic coast not to emerge from either a Roman or Greek settlement. It is therefore the oldest Slavic town on the Croatian coast, possibly dating from the 11th century. As well as being under Venetian and Austro-Hungarian rule, it was also briefly under French occupation in the early part of the 19th century.
One of the most important sights in Sibenik is the cathedral of St. James, built between 1431 and 1536 from limestone and marble. The early stages of the cathedral were designed and built by Italian masters, but between 1444 and 1447 the work was under the direction of sculptor Juraj Dalmatinac. In the same square as the cathedral is a memorial to Dalmatinac, created by the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century, Ivan Mestrovic. Just to the north of the Cathedral is the Loggia, built in typical Italian style. Several other churches are worth visiting, such as the Church of St. Barbara and the Church of St. Nicholas.
The area code is 022.
The Tourist Office in Sibenik is at Fausta Vrancica 18, 22000 Šibenik, Tel: 022 212 075, Fax: 022 219 073, Email: tz-sibenik@si.t-com.hr
More info at InfoAdriatic.com, the Sibenik Tourist Office website and at Sibenik Online.
Accommodation in Sibenik
Trogir Trogir is about 38 miles (61km) from Sibenik and has a population of just over 10,000. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. In the 3rd century BC, Greeks from the island of Vis founded the settlement Tragurion before it went on to become part of the Roman Empire. Once again, this city was under Venetian and Austrian rule.
Part of the city walls, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, are visible today on the southern side of the city. In the middle of the city wall the city gate, built in 1593, is present. The cathedral on the east side of the city is on the main square and dates from the beginning of the 13th century.
The area code is 021.
The Tourist Office is at Trg Ivana Pavla II. Br. 1, 21220 Trogir, Tel: 021 881 412 Fax: 021 881 412, Email: tzg-trogir@st.htnet.hr
More info at the lovely website Trogir Online.
Accommodation in Trogir
Organised Travel from the UK Balkan Holidays
Additional information Check out a great website on the lovely town of Vodice, which is near Sibenik: Vodice Online.
Zadar Old Town is located on the tip of a narrow peninsula. Most of the town is surrounded by city walls, with towers and the two city gates being of interest. The Kopnena vrata (Mainland Gate), to the east of the Old Town, was built in 1543 and has the city coat of arms engraved on it. Close to this is the Five-Sided Tower, dating from the 13th century and the five wells which used to be the water supply for the city. The other gate is the Lucka vrata (Port Gate) to the north, built in 1573. In the centre of the Old Town is the Sveti Donat Church which was built at the beginning of the 9th century and stands at 27m high. It is the most important church in a city which has 30 altogether. Nearby is the Church of St. Mary as well as the Cathedral of St. Anastasia.
The area code is 023.
The Tourist Office is at Ilije Smiljanica 5, 23000 Zadar, Tel: 023 212 412 or 023 212 222, Fax: 023 211 781, Email: tz-zadar@zd.tel.hr
For more information on Zadar, check out the Official Website of the Zadar Riviera, Zadar Online or Kalelarga.com.
Accommodation in Zadar
Sibenik The population of Sibenik is just over 41,000 people. Sibenik is one of the few places along the Croatian Adriatic coast not to emerge from either a Roman or Greek settlement. It is therefore the oldest Slavic town on the Croatian coast, possibly dating from the 11th century. As well as being under Venetian and Austro-Hungarian rule, it was also briefly under French occupation in the early part of the 19th century.
One of the most important sights in Sibenik is the cathedral of St. James, built between 1431 and 1536 from limestone and marble. The early stages of the cathedral were designed and built by Italian masters, but between 1444 and 1447 the work was under the direction of sculptor Juraj Dalmatinac. In the same square as the cathedral is a memorial to Dalmatinac, created by the greatest Croatian sculptor of the 20th century, Ivan Mestrovic. Just to the north of the Cathedral is the Loggia, built in typical Italian style. Several other churches are worth visiting, such as the Church of St. Barbara and the Church of St. Nicholas.
The area code is 022.
The Tourist Office in Sibenik is at Fausta Vrancica 18, 22000 Šibenik, Tel: 022 212 075, Fax: 022 219 073, Email: tz-sibenik@si.t-com.hr
More info at InfoAdriatic.com, the Sibenik Tourist Office website and at Sibenik Online.
Accommodation in Sibenik
Trogir Trogir is about 38 miles (61km) from Sibenik and has a population of just over 10,000. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. In the 3rd century BC, Greeks from the island of Vis founded the settlement Tragurion before it went on to become part of the Roman Empire. Once again, this city was under Venetian and Austrian rule.
Part of the city walls, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, are visible today on the southern side of the city. In the middle of the city wall the city gate, built in 1593, is present. The cathedral on the east side of the city is on the main square and dates from the beginning of the 13th century.
The area code is 021.
The Tourist Office is at Trg Ivana Pavla II. Br. 1, 21220 Trogir, Tel: 021 881 412 Fax: 021 881 412, Email: tzg-trogir@st.htnet.hr
More info at the lovely website Trogir Online.
Accommodation in Trogir
Organised Travel from the UK Balkan Holidays
Additional information Check out a great website on the lovely town of Vodice, which is near Sibenik: Vodice Online.
7.) DUBROVNIK ( FAMEOUS CITY)
HistoryGeorge Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city: for him, it was paradise. Millions of people also take home happy memories from this "jewel of the Adriatic".
Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), it traded with Turkey and India in the East (with a consul in Goa, India) and had trade representatives in Africa (in the Cape Verde Islands). It even had diplomatic relations with the English court in the middle ages. (There is a letter from Elizabeth I on display in the City Museum in Dubrovnik). Its status was such that powerful and rich Venice was envious of this Croatian-Slav city.
The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's promenade. One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him. In 1991/2, the Serbs shelled the city causing considerable damage, but thanks to local efforts and international aid, the old town has been restored to its former beauty.
But whatever we say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!
Getting thereDubrovnik is the most southern city in Croatia, and the most practical way to reach the city is to do so by air. There are daily flights from London to Dubrovnik with British Airways, as well as several per week with Croatia Airlines. (They also have daily flights from Zagreb to Dubrovnik). Aer Lingus have three flights a week from Dublin.
It can also be reached by bus from Zagreb (which takes about 12 hours), Rijeka, Split or Trieste in Italy. The most pleasant journey to the city is probably by Jadrolinija ferry from Rijeka, which stops at islands and ports such as Zadar, Split, Hvar and Korcula along the way, and takes about 17 hours. There are also international ferry services from Bari in Italy. See our Travelling from Italy section for more details.
Things to seeYou will probably enter the old town through the Pile Gate - in front of you is the Stradun. Here you will find the Onofrio Fountain, built in 1438. On the right is the Franciscan Monastery, with one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, in operation since 1391. At the other end of the Stradun, you will find the locals' favourite meeting place, the Orlando Column, with the nearby Sponza Place and the baroque church of St. Blaise. Here is also the Rector's Palace, built in 1441, which is now a city museum packed with valuable and historic exhibits.
Opposite the palace through a narrow street is a square, Gunduliceva Poljana, which is the site of the busy morning market. In the same square is the Jesuit Monastery from the early 18th century. From here you can head for the little old town port and visit the city walls, built between the 13th and the 16th centuries, which encircle the city and which have been remarkably preserved.
If you are visiting in the summer, do not miss the world-renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with music, theatre and dance performances. The version of Hamlet on Lovrijenac Tower is magical. The Dubrovnik International Film Festival also runs for several days at the beginning of October.
Accommodation in DubrovnikAs is perhaps to be expected, the range of accommodation in Dubrovnik is second to none. There are many, many hotels, from 1 star to several top class 5 star ones. Prviate accommodation in the town, and the surrounding area, can also be easily found. See Accommodation in Dubrovnik.
General infoThe area code is 020.
Dubrovnik Tourist Office at Cvijete Zuzoric 1/II, 20000 Dubrovnik, Tel: 020 323 887 or 020 323 889, Fax: 020 323 725, Email: tzgd@du.tel.hr
Organised travel from the UK Holiday Options Transun Thomson Lakes & Mountains Saga Holidays Balkan Holidays Inghams Voyages Jules Verne
Additional info Dubrovnik Tourist Board website Dubrovnik Online Dubrovnik-area.com Dubrovnatic.Net Dubrovnik-Guide.net Dubrovnik Airport Yacht Charter Croatia Fresh Croatia - Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik has a remarkable history. An independent, merchant republic for 700 years (abolished by Napoleon in 1806), it traded with Turkey and India in the East (with a consul in Goa, India) and had trade representatives in Africa (in the Cape Verde Islands). It even had diplomatic relations with the English court in the middle ages. (There is a letter from Elizabeth I on display in the City Museum in Dubrovnik). Its status was such that powerful and rich Venice was envious of this Croatian-Slav city.
The old town was completed in the 13th century and remains virtually unchanged to the present day. Tall ramparts surround it and there are only two entrances to the old town which lead to the Stradun, the city's promenade. One of the greatest pleasures for many visitors is to have a drink in one of the nearby cafes and watch the world go by, whilst they themselves are being watched by the city patron, St. Blaise, or Sveti Vlaho as the locals call him. In 1991/2, the Serbs shelled the city causing considerable damage, but thanks to local efforts and international aid, the old town has been restored to its former beauty.
But whatever we say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!
Getting thereDubrovnik is the most southern city in Croatia, and the most practical way to reach the city is to do so by air. There are daily flights from London to Dubrovnik with British Airways, as well as several per week with Croatia Airlines. (They also have daily flights from Zagreb to Dubrovnik). Aer Lingus have three flights a week from Dublin.
It can also be reached by bus from Zagreb (which takes about 12 hours), Rijeka, Split or Trieste in Italy. The most pleasant journey to the city is probably by Jadrolinija ferry from Rijeka, which stops at islands and ports such as Zadar, Split, Hvar and Korcula along the way, and takes about 17 hours. There are also international ferry services from Bari in Italy. See our Travelling from Italy section for more details.
Things to seeYou will probably enter the old town through the Pile Gate - in front of you is the Stradun. Here you will find the Onofrio Fountain, built in 1438. On the right is the Franciscan Monastery, with one of the oldest functioning pharmacies in Europe, in operation since 1391. At the other end of the Stradun, you will find the locals' favourite meeting place, the Orlando Column, with the nearby Sponza Place and the baroque church of St. Blaise. Here is also the Rector's Palace, built in 1441, which is now a city museum packed with valuable and historic exhibits.
Opposite the palace through a narrow street is a square, Gunduliceva Poljana, which is the site of the busy morning market. In the same square is the Jesuit Monastery from the early 18th century. From here you can head for the little old town port and visit the city walls, built between the 13th and the 16th centuries, which encircle the city and which have been remarkably preserved.
If you are visiting in the summer, do not miss the world-renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with music, theatre and dance performances. The version of Hamlet on Lovrijenac Tower is magical. The Dubrovnik International Film Festival also runs for several days at the beginning of October.
Accommodation in DubrovnikAs is perhaps to be expected, the range of accommodation in Dubrovnik is second to none. There are many, many hotels, from 1 star to several top class 5 star ones. Prviate accommodation in the town, and the surrounding area, can also be easily found. See Accommodation in Dubrovnik.
General infoThe area code is 020.
Dubrovnik Tourist Office at Cvijete Zuzoric 1/II, 20000 Dubrovnik, Tel: 020 323 887 or 020 323 889, Fax: 020 323 725, Email: tzgd@du.tel.hr
Organised travel from the UK Holiday Options Transun Thomson Lakes & Mountains Saga Holidays Balkan Holidays Inghams Voyages Jules Verne
Additional info Dubrovnik Tourist Board website Dubrovnik Online Dubrovnik-area.com Dubrovnatic.Net Dubrovnik-Guide.net Dubrovnik Airport Yacht Charter Croatia Fresh Croatia - Dubrovnik
8.) CROATIAN ISLANDS
One reason, in our opinion, that the Croatian coastline is so beautiful is that it contains more than one thousand dazzling islands. If you were to look out to sea from anywhere along the Croatian coastline, it would be unusual for you not to see a green speck in the distance! Most of the islands, however, are small and uninhabited and there are therefore only 20 or so larger islands which are popular with tourists. We will therefore provide a description of some of these, starting from those just off the Istrian coast and going all the way down to the islands near Dubrovnik.
The Brijuni Islands14 islands and islets make up this archipelago, which is also a National Park, and located close to Pula on the mainland More...
CresThe second largest island in the Adriatic, near Rijeka More...
LosinjNeighbour to Cres, this popular island is well known for its lush green vegetation. More...
KrkThe largest Adriatic island, Krk is easily accessible as it is connected to the mainland by bridge. More...
RabOne of the greenest islands, it is covered with fragrant pine forests. More...PagFamous for its sheep's cheese and lace-making, also home to the party town of Novalja! More...
The Kornati IslandsPeaceful and tranquil, this archipelago consists of 140 islands. More...
BracOne of the livelier islands, famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach. More...
HvarThe sunniest island in the whole of the Adriatic - if it snows during your stay, your accommodation is free! More...
VisThe most westerly of all the Croatian islands. More...
KorculaFamous for its thick dense forest, the island was nicknamed Black Korcula by the ancient Greeks. More...
MljetThe wonderfully enchanting National Park. More...
The Elaphite Islands (Kolocep, Lopud & Sipan)Beautifully untouched islands near Dubrovnik. More...
SilbaInformation about the island of Silba can be found at Silba.net.
Organised Travel from the UK to the Islands Holiday Options Transun Captivating Croatia Balkan Holidays
The Brijuni Islands14 islands and islets make up this archipelago, which is also a National Park, and located close to Pula on the mainland More...
CresThe second largest island in the Adriatic, near Rijeka More...
LosinjNeighbour to Cres, this popular island is well known for its lush green vegetation. More...
KrkThe largest Adriatic island, Krk is easily accessible as it is connected to the mainland by bridge. More...
RabOne of the greenest islands, it is covered with fragrant pine forests. More...PagFamous for its sheep's cheese and lace-making, also home to the party town of Novalja! More...
The Kornati IslandsPeaceful and tranquil, this archipelago consists of 140 islands. More...
BracOne of the livelier islands, famous for the Zlatni Rat (Golden Horn) beach. More...
HvarThe sunniest island in the whole of the Adriatic - if it snows during your stay, your accommodation is free! More...
VisThe most westerly of all the Croatian islands. More...
KorculaFamous for its thick dense forest, the island was nicknamed Black Korcula by the ancient Greeks. More...
MljetThe wonderfully enchanting National Park. More...
The Elaphite Islands (Kolocep, Lopud & Sipan)Beautifully untouched islands near Dubrovnik. More...
SilbaInformation about the island of Silba can be found at Silba.net.
Organised Travel from the UK to the Islands Holiday Options Transun Captivating Croatia Balkan Holidays
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